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Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater resource, is home to diverse microbial communities crucial for maintaining its ecological balance. Understanding the evolutionary history and ecological impacts of these communities is essential, especially considering the significant influence of human activities on the lake’s health. However, current research efforts in this domain are often fragmented, short-term in scope, and lack necessary harmonization. This chapter aims to provide new insights into the intricate relationship between human activities in the lake’s catchment and its microbiome composition. Through four key objectives, the chapter thoroughly investigates this relationship by (i) analyzing anthropogenic influences, including agricultural runoff and urban waste discharge; (ii) exploring the current understanding of microbial communities within the lake and its watershed; (iii) investigating connections between human activities and shifts in microbial composition and function; and (iv) highlighting the cascading effects on ecosystem integrity, including impacts on nutrient cycling, water quality, and pathogen presence. By unraveling these connections and considering future perspectives, the chapter elucidates on the “human–microbial nexus,”—the link between human activities and Lake Victoria’s microbiome assemblage. Specific recommendations emerge, such as implementing innovative and sustainable agricultural practices and wastewater treatment to mitigate impacts. Moreover, pressing research questions are identified, emphasizing the need for further investigation into specific microbial responses to anthropogenic stressors, mapping the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and transmission vectors, exploring nanotechnology for pollutant removal, and investigating bioengineering approaches leveraging the lake’s microbiota for remediation. This knowledge is vital for developing effective management and restoration strategies to safeguard the lake’s health and ensure its long-term sustainability.

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From Waste to Water Quality: How Human Activities Are Shaping Lake Victoria’s Microbiome and Ecosystem Health

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Henry Joseph Oduor Ogola,
  • Kennedy Achieng’ Odhiambo

摘要

Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater resource, is home to diverse microbial communities crucial for maintaining its ecological balance. Understanding the evolutionary history and ecological impacts of these communities is essential, especially considering the significant influence of human activities on the lake’s health. However, current research efforts in this domain are often fragmented, short-term in scope, and lack necessary harmonization. This chapter aims to provide new insights into the intricate relationship between human activities in the lake’s catchment and its microbiome composition. Through four key objectives, the chapter thoroughly investigates this relationship by (i) analyzing anthropogenic influences, including agricultural runoff and urban waste discharge; (ii) exploring the current understanding of microbial communities within the lake and its watershed; (iii) investigating connections between human activities and shifts in microbial composition and function; and (iv) highlighting the cascading effects on ecosystem integrity, including impacts on nutrient cycling, water quality, and pathogen presence. By unraveling these connections and considering future perspectives, the chapter elucidates on the “human–microbial nexus,”—the link between human activities and Lake Victoria’s microbiome assemblage. Specific recommendations emerge, such as implementing innovative and sustainable agricultural practices and wastewater treatment to mitigate impacts. Moreover, pressing research questions are identified, emphasizing the need for further investigation into specific microbial responses to anthropogenic stressors, mapping the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and transmission vectors, exploring nanotechnology for pollutant removal, and investigating bioengineering approaches leveraging the lake’s microbiota for remediation. This knowledge is vital for developing effective management and restoration strategies to safeguard the lake’s health and ensure its long-term sustainability.